A personal quest to promote the use of wind energy and hydrogen technology in the Great Lakes area of the United States. The Great Lakes area is in a unique position to become an energy exporting region through these and other renewable energy technologies. *Update 2014: Just do it everywhere - Dan*

Tuesday, August 31, 2004

GREENBUZZ for August 30, 2004Taking Care of Business

Well it's water, water everywhere -- but not as much as you think. A new report out last week is taking the business world to task for failing to adequately prepare for the international water crisis most experts agree is right around the corner. It's not too late for industry to take action, however. The report also recommends ten steps companies can take to reduce their water-related impacts on the environment and local communities and help protect their operations and their shareholders from business risks related to water. Also this week: Do your part to protect our existing water supply with industry-specific tips for water pollution prevention.

Businesses Urged to Curb Thirst for Water Businesses around the world, from beverage companies to chip manufacturers, are failing to prepare for the serious economic and political risks posed by growing competition for fresh water, the threat of water contamination, and rising water-related costs, says a new report.
Put GreenBiz news on your site for free!

South Bass Island firms must stop using water from wells
----------------------------------------
Five more businesses on South Bass Island have been told to stop using their
wells because of possible contamination, as Ohio officials continue to
investigate a mysterious gastrointestinal outbreak that has sickened more
than 1,100 people. Source: The Toledo Blade (8/31)

Wisconsin water rules take effect
----------------------------------------
Temporary rules that exempt from DNR review many dredging, construction and
other projects along Wisconsin waterways are now in effect. Source: St. Paul
Pioneer Press (8/31)

Oil spills again into Rouge River from suspected sewer
----------------------------------------
About 5,000 gallons of waste oil spilled into the Rouge River from the same
sewer suspected in a major oil spill two years ago. Source: Detroit Free
Press (8/31)

Groups: Mitchell station should be scrapped
----------------------------------------
Indiana's largest grassroots consumer and environmental groups have added
their voices to those calling for the permanent closure of the coal-fired
Mitchell Generating station on Lake Michigan. Source: The Northwest Indiana
Times (8/31)

Hydroelectric power plant idea resurfaces in Minneapolis
----------------------------------------
A decades-old plan for an underground hydroelectric power plant near St.
Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River is back on the table, only months
after its most recent rejection. Source: Star Tribune (8/31)

Miami tribe selects chief in unique ceremony
----------------------------------------
A northern Indiana man took over leadership of a band of the Miami Indians
during a religious ceremony the group hasn't used in a century. Source: The
Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette (8/31)

Ohio town sees tourist dollars lurking in murky canal water
----------------------------------------
A group of northwest Ohio residents hope to restore a waterway that once was
a superhighway for cargo moving between Toledo and Cincinnati. Source: The
Plain Dealer (8/31)

Border Patrol tightens security along Canadian border
----------------------------------------
The U.S. Border Patrol is trying to tighten Minnesota's border with Canada,
adding about two dozen agents since last winter. Source: KAAL-TV (8/30)

New material to remove atrazine from drinking water?
----------------------------------------
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new material that
removes a common pollutant from water supplies. Source: Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (8/30)

UI initiative to meld diverse research
----------------------------------------
University of Illinois officials are set to announce a new initiative that
will use the state as a natural laboratory in addressing some of the most
compelling environmental questions of the day. Source: The Champaign
News-Gazette (8/30)

Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio Consortium
(www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Adventure Life Journeys - an unusual travel company. Adventure Life takes a holistic approach to travel and is dedicated to expanding ecological and cultural awareness. Visit them on the web at http://www.adventure-life.com/index.html.

Alternative Energy Store - retailer for solar panels, windmills/wind turbines, inverters, solar water pumps, solar home heating systems and other solar and wind electric power systems for your home or business. Visit them on the web at http://www.altenergystore.com.

Environmental Construction Outfitters of New York - For over 15 years ECO of NY has been monitoring the issues related to safer, healthier, and environmentally responsible building products and systems. Visit them on the web at http://www.environmentaldepot.com.

Garden Kids - a children's clothing manufacturer dedicated to providing superior quality clothing using environmentally friendly products and socially responsible business practices. Visit them on the web at http://www.gardenkids.com.

Adventure Life Journeys - an unusual travel company. Adventure Life takes a holistic approach to travel and is dedicated to expanding ecological and cultural awareness. Visit them on the web at http://www.adventure-life.com/index.html.

Alternative Energy Store - retailer for solar panels, windmills/wind turbines, inverters, solar water pumps, solar home heating systems and other solar and wind electric power systems for your home or business. Visit them on the web at http://www.altenergystore.com.

Environmental Construction Outfitters of New York - For over 15 years ECO of NY has been monitoring the issues related to safer, healthier, and environmentally responsible building products and systems. Visit them on the web at http://www.environmentaldepot.com.

Garden Kids - a children's clothing manufacturer dedicated to providing superior quality clothing using environmentally friendly products and socially responsible business practices. Visit them on the web at http://www.gardenkids.com.

EPA report: Mercury contamination widespread
----------------------------------------
More and more Americans are being warned that the local fish they eat could
be contaminated with mercury and other toxins, according to a new report by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Source: Great Lakes Radio
Consortium (8/30)

Tree companies recycle emerald ash borer victims
----------------------------------------
Rather than see all that wood chipped, entrepreneurs are starting to recycle
ash wood and mill it into railroad ties and rough cut lumber for kitchen
cabinets, furniture and flooring. Source: Detroit Free Press (8/30)

Historic castle fortifies Great Lakes research
----------------------------------------
Unlike the other southwest Lake Erie islands that draw lots of tourists
during the summer, Gibralter Island is reserved for scientific research.
Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (8/30)

Piloting concerns pervade ports
----------------------------------------
Great Lakes ports, such as Duluth-Superior, depend upon a small corps of
pilots to keep foreign trade flowing, but higher pay demands are leading to
delays and costing carriers money. Source: Duluth News Tribune (8/30)

Two forums to examine Great Lakes water issues
----------------------------------------
The Muskegon area will host a pair of meetings this week on two proposals to
regulate the use of Great Lakes water, one by state law and the other by
international agreement. Source: Muskegon Chronicle (8/30)

Filling in the gaps
----------------------------------------
In response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the U.S. Border Patrol
has raised its numbers dramatically to improve security along the
U.S.-Canadian border. Source: Duluth News Tribune (8/29)

Creating Lake Harbor oasis hasn't always been a walk in the park
----------------------------------------
Creating and preserving the tranquilty of Lake Harbor Park has been anything
but serene. Source: Muskegon Chronicle (8/29)

Travel: Minnesota's wild isle
----------------------------------------
With a shoreline littered with rocky islets, reefs and shoals, Isle Royale
looks like a cross between Minnesota's North Shore and the Boundary Waters
Canoe Wilderness Area. But its inaccessibility makes it even more exotic.

Source: Star Tribune (8/29)
Highway named for O'Bannon
----------------------------------------
A southern Indiana highway extension that the late Gov. Frank O'Bannon
pushed for when campaigning for the state Senate more than three decades ago
will bear his name. Source: The Indianapolis Star (8/27)

Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio Consortium
(www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

6 new wells test positive for E. coli; don't drink water, 4 businesses told
----------------------------------------
Six new wells have tested positive for E. coli bacteria on South Bass Island
in the midst of an investigation into what has sickened more than 1,000
people at the Lake Erie tourist destination. Source: The Toledo Blade (8/27)

Sea lamprey making return to Lake Erie
----------------------------------------
Sea lampreys seem to be making a Lake Erie comeback, much to the dismay of
fisheries biologists. Source: The Plain Dealer (8/27)

Ohioans huddle to protect a resource
----------------------------------------
At the first of three Annex 2001 hearings in Ohio, most Observers praised
the plan, with some contention over fine details intended to benefit the
powerful agricultural industry. Source: The Toledo Blade (8/27)

Spiny waterfleas invade two lakes near Gunflint
----------------------------------------
The Spiny Waterflea, a non-native species first found in Lake Superior in
1987, is slowly invading Northland lakes. Source: Duluth News Tribune (8/27)

The joy of filth
----------------------------------------
Under-the-radar Canadian entrepreneurs are cleaning up a polluted planet
with innovative technology. Source: The Globe and Mail (8/27)

Activists oppose waste-burning plan
----------------------------------------
An environmental group is urging the province of Ontario to deny a request
from two companies that want to burn recyclable hazardous waste, which could
release dangerous pollutants. Source: The Toronto Star (8/26)

Farm groups protest cranberry run-off suit
----------------------------------------
A controversial lawsuit contends that a large cranberry farm has polluted
Wisconsin's eighth largest natural lake by releasing fertilizer and other
pollutants, feeding the growth of dense, choking weeds and toxic blue green
algae and restricting citizens' rights to use and enjoy the navigable waters
of the state. Source: Madison Capital Times (8/25)

Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes
Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio Consortium
(www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

LINKS TO SMALL WIND IN THE NEWS
(21) New Farm
(22) Winston-Salem (NC) Journal
(23) Kansas City Star

ABOUT THE SMALL WIND NEWSLETTER
Includes information on how to subscribe and unsubscribe.

NEWS

(1) IOWA - State Supreme Court Orders Net Metering
On July 21, 2004, the Iowa Supreme Court issued an opinion in the case
of Windway v. Midland Power Cooperative, ordering Midland to allow net
metering to the owner of a 65-kilowatt wind turbine. The system owner
previously had sued Midland, requesting that the cooperative provide net
metering for his facility. Full article

(3) OHIO - Six 10-kW Turbines Installed at Farm
The Dull Homestead, located near Brookville, Ohio, recently installed
six 10 kW wind generators. They are placed in a row running north-south
in order to harvest the predominant wind from the west. Full article.

(4) NORTH CAROLINA Small Wind Initiative Begins
The North Carolina Small Wind Initiative has begun and includes several
major components. The In June, about 100 people attended a very
successful ribbon cutting ceremony and the Initiative will host 4
workshops this fall. Full article.

(5) IOWA Wind Feasibility Analysis Guidelines
This document gives guidelines for Wind Feasibility Analysis reports and
is published by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Energy Bureau.
The guidelines are required for any project associated with Iowa
Department of Natural Resources, Energy Bureau programs and provide good
recommendations for anyone preparing a wind feasibility report. Full
article
.

(6) IOWA Wind Energy Checklist
The Iowa Wind Energy Checklist is a step-by-step guide for cities,
schools, municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives, businesses
and landowners and was published by the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources. It will help you determine whether wind energy will work for
you and how to develop a wind turbine. Full article.

(7) HAWAII - Guide to Permits
The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
maintains a web site, which identifies permits that may be required for
energy projects in the state. Full article.

(8) OHIO Small Wind Case Studies
In 2002, Green Energy Ohio published a set of case studies of small wind
installations in the state. Included are 11 residential installations
and 2 installations on public places. Full article

(9) COLORADO Anemometer Loan Program
The Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation
(OEMC) has chosen Sustainable Settings' whole systems learning center at
Thompson Creek Ranch in Pitkin County to receive an anemometer through
its Anemometer Loan Program. The anemometers were first installed in
2003 to locations in Lamar, Julesburg, Aurora, Montrose, Leadville;
Walden, and Meeker. Many of the original sites have completed their data
collection and the anemometers have been removed and installed in new
locations such as Carbondale, Sedgwick, Deer Trail and Paonia. Full
article.

(10) IDAHO Energy Division Lau nches Updated Website
The potential for wind power in Idaho continues to grow and to help
people realize the possibilities, the Idaho Energy Division of the Idaho
Department of Water Resources has launched a new updated website to help
answer questions. Full article.

(11) WYOMING Schedules Roping the Wind Conference
Roping the Wind is back. Due to the overwhelming success of last year's
renewable energy conference, the Wyoming Business Council State Energy
Office, along with support from the US Department of Energy, is again
sponsoring this event on September 12th and 13th in Cody, Wyoming. Full
article.

(12) OHIO Wind Power Conference
Following the first successful Ohio Wind Power Conference in 2002
attended by 350 people, Ohioans will gather for the Second Ohio Wind
Power Conference in Cleveland, Ohio on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9
& 10, 2004 and learn about the latest developments for wind power
development in Ohio. Full article.

(13) Wind Energy Teacher Workshops
Throughout the Northeast, middle and high school science teachers are
wrapping their minds and hands around the science that surrounds wind
energy. Over 100 teachers from New York, Vermont, Maine and
Massachusetts took part in KidWind workshops this summer. As part of an
eight hours course, teachers learned wind energy basics and experimented
with activities, which will help them and their students get excited
about the science and engineering of wind energy. Full article.

(15) MINNESOTA - PUC Wrapping up Development of Interconnection Standards
After a one-year period of inactivity, Minnesota's three-year effort to
develop interconnection standards for distributed generation (DG) is
nearing completion. Full article.

(16) NEW YORK - PSC Ruling Allows Net Metering for Model Homes
In May of this year, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) ruled
in favor of December 2003 petitions from New York State Electric & Gas
Corporation (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (RG&E)
requesting the waiver of two provisions of their tariffs governing the
net metering of photovoltaic (PV) generating systems. The PSC's order
allows for the interconnection and net metering of PV systems in model
homes that builders construct and own. These model homes are otherwise
ineligible for net metering under the tariffs prior to their purchase by
residential owners. Full article.

INCENTIVES

New Incentives reported by DSIRE. The
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a
comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and
selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. To access
state-by-state incentives and policies that promote wind energy
technologies, click here and select "wind" from the drop-down menu.

(17) PUBLICATION: Wind Hybrid Electricity Applications
This publication discusses technology options that mix wind with other
power sources and storage devices to help deal with the intermittent
nature of wind power. Included are technologies appropriate to small
wind systems as well as technologies for utility systems. Full article.

(18) Windustry WindProject Calculator
This spreadsheet was developed to assist farm owners and operators in
evaluating the economics of installing a wind turbine on their farms to
provide electricity for the farm and home. Full article.

(19) State Wind Resource Maps
Links to State Wind Resource Maps. Full article.

(20) State Anemometer Loan Programs
Links to State Anemometer Loan Programs. Full article.

LINKS TO SMALL WIND IN THE NEWS

(21) New Farm, June 10, 2004, Wind in the Silos: Making wind power safe
and cost-effective on your farm. Full article.

(22) Winston-Salem (NC) Journal, July 12, 2004, Harnessing the Wind:
Potential future source of power may face fight over whether it spoils
natural views. Article on NC small wind R&D center. Full article.

If you have comments or news items, please send them to Larry Sherwood.

Disclaimer: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) does not
assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or
process that is referred to or linked to in this newsletter. Reference
to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name,
trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute
or imply IREC's endorsement or recommendation.

Friday, August 27, 2004

Great Lakes Daily News: 27 August 2004A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the GreatLakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/

6 new wells test positive for E. coli; don't drink water, 4 businesses told----------------------------------------Six new wells have tested positive for E. coli bacteria on South Bass Islandin the midst of an investigation into what has sickened more than 1,000people at the Lake Erie tourist destination. Source: The Toledo Blade (8/27)

Sea lamprey making return to Lake Erie----------------------------------------Sea lampreys seem to be making a Lake Erie comeback, much to the dismay offisheries biologists. Source: The Plain Dealer (8/27)

Ohioans huddle to protect a resource----------------------------------------At the first of three Annex 2001 hearings in Ohio, most Observers praisedthe plan, with some contention over fine details intended to benefit thepowerful agricultural industry. Source: The Toledo Blade (8/27)

Activists oppose waste-burning plan----------------------------------------An environmental group is urging the province of Ontario to deny a requestfrom two companies that want to burn recyclable hazardous waste, which couldrelease dangerous pollutants. Source: The Toronto Star (8/26)

Farm groups protest cranberry run-off suit----------------------------------------A controversial lawsuit contends that a large cranberry farm has pollutedWisconsin's eighth largest natural lake by releasing fertilizer and otherpollutants, feeding the growth of dense, choking weeds and toxic blue greenalgae and restricting citizens' rights to use and enjoy the navigable watersof the state. Source: Madison Capital Times (8/25)

Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable storyarchive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html

Recently you might have read in your local paper about the Bush administration's announcement that more of America's rivers and lakes are polluted with poisonous mercury pollution than ever before. "Mercury is everywhere," EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt told the New York Times.

Unfortunately, instead of taking action to solve the problem by requiring power plants to install the modern pollution controls that could reduce mercury pollution by 90%, the Bush administration has proposed delaying mercury rules for power plants by a decade.

Warning the public about mercury isn't enoughâ??we need to stop the pollution at its source. In the past two months you've helped us set an all-time record by submitting over 600,000 public comments urging the Bush administration to strengthen their proposal. Then we asked you to help us find doctors and small business owners to sign onto a letter calling for protections against mercury pollution, and a stunning 700 doctors and business owners replied.

Now you can help raise the heat on the Bush administration by asking your representative in Congress to tell the Bush administration to stop mercury pollution.

Follow the link below to go to a web page where you can email your representative. Then ask your family and friends to take action by forwarding this email to them.

http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=806&id4=ES

To see the New York Times story about the Bush administrationâ??s announcement, click this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/25/politics/25fish.html.

UW ENGINEERS CLEAR BOTTLENECK IN PRODUCTION OF HYDROGENDiscovery could lead to new strategies for operating fuel cells

MADISON - Carbon monoxide, or CO, has long been a major technical barrier to the efficient operation of fuel cells. But now, chemical and biological engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have not only cleared that barrier - they also have discovered a method to capture carbon monoxide's energy.

To be useful in a power-generating fuel cell, hydrocarbons such as gasoline, natural gas or ethanol must be reformed into a hydrogen-rich gas. A large, costly and critical step to this process requires generating steam and reacting it with carbon monoxide (CO). This process, called water-gas shift, produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2). Additional steps then are taken to reduce the CO levels further before the hydrogen enters a fuel cell.

James Dumesic, professor of chemical and biological engineering , postdoctoral researcher Won Bae Kim, and graduate students Tobias Voitl and Gabriel Rodriguez-Rivera eliminated the water-gas shift reaction from the process, removing the need to transport and vaporize liquid water in the production of energy for portable applications.

The team, as reported in the Aug. 27 issue of Science, uses an environmentally benign polyoxometalate (POM) compound to oxidize CO in liquid water at room temperature. The compound not only removes CO from gas streams for fuel cells, but also converts the energy content of CO into a liquid that subsequently can be used to power a fuel cell.

"CO has essentially as much energy as hydrogen," Dumesic says. "It has a lot of energy in it. If you take a hydrocarbon and partially oxidize it at high temperature, it primarily makes CO and hydrogen. Conventional systems follow that with a series of these 'water-gas shift' steps. Our discovery has the potential of eliminating those steps. Instead, you can send the CO through our process, which works efficiently at room temperature, and takes the CO out of the gas to make energy."

The research team says the process is especially promising for producing electrical energy from renewable biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons - such as ethylene glycol derived from corn - because these fuels generate H2 and CO in nearly equal amounts during catalytic decomposition. The hydrogen could be used directly in a proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell operating at 50 percent efficiency, and the remaining CO could be converted to electricity via the researchers' new process.

The overall efficiency of such a system is equal to 40 percent and, unlike traditional ethylene glycol reforming, does not require water. The overall efficiency is equivalent to 60 percent of the energy content of octane.

Dumesic's team believes the advance will make possible a new generation of inexpensive fuel cells operating with solutions of reduced POM compounds. While higher current densities can be achieved in fuel cells using electrodes containing precious metals, the researchers found that good current densities can be generated using a simple carbon anode.

Adventure Life Journeys - an unusual travel company. Adventure Life takes a holistic approach to travel and is dedicated to expanding ecological and cultural awareness. Visit them on the web at http://www.adventure-life.com/index.html.

Alternative Energy Store - retailer for solar panels, windmills/wind turbines, inverters, solar water pumps, solar home heating systems and other solar and wind electric power systems for your home or business. Visit them on the web at http://www.altenergystore.com.

Environmental Construction Outfitters of New York - For over 15 years ECO of NY has been monitoring the issues related to safer, healthier, and environmentally responsible building products and systems. Visit them on the web at http://www.environmentaldepot.com.

Garden Kids - a children's clothing manufacturer dedicated to providing superior quality clothing using environmentally friendly products and socially responsible business practices. Visit them on the web at http://www.gardenkids.com.

Adventure Life Journeys - an unusual travel company. Adventure Life takes a holistic approach to travel and is dedicated to expanding ecological and cultural awareness. Visit them on the web at http://www.adventure-life.com/index.html.

Alternative Energy Store - retailer for solar panels, windmills/wind turbines, inverters, solar water pumps, solar home heating systems and other solar and wind electric power systems for your home or business. Visit them on the web at http://www.altenergystore.com.

Environmental Construction Outfitters of New York - For over 15 years ECO of NY has been monitoring the issues related to safer, healthier, and environmentally responsible building products and systems. Visit them on the web at http://www.environmentaldepot.com.

Garden Kids - a children's clothing manufacturer dedicated to providing superior quality clothing using environmentally friendly products and socially responsible business practices. Visit them on the web at http://www.gardenkids.com.

The inspector general reviewed the county's election readiness, issuing a report that focuses on training, absentee ballots and poll security.

BY AMY DRISCOLL AND CHARLES RABIN

adriscoll@herald.com

With the primary just days away, Inspector General Christopher Mazzella issued a report Wednesday on Miami-Dade County's election readiness. Among his recommendations: more training for some elections workers, additional security for voting machines and stronger guidelines for handling absentee ballots.

All newspaper editors want to know what their readers like. If you would like to read this feature in your local newspaper, please do not hesitate to share your enthusiasm with your local newspaper editor.

RELEASE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2004, AND THEREAFTER AUSTIN, Texas -
It's an early Labor Day SURPRISE!

Congratulations, if you make between $23,660 and $100,000, you have just very likely lost your right to overtime pay, courtesy of the Bush administration. If this comes as news to you, thank your friendly media, who are much too busy reporting lies abut John Kerry's heroism in Vietnam to bother with this story affecting your life. But next time you hear someone say, "Oh, I just don't care much about politics," you might want to recall this particular connection -- especially if it means you have to go out and get another job.

This stunner is brought to you by President Bush and his big-business campaign donors. The Senate has voted twice to stop the change, so there's no point in raising hell with them. The House of Representatives, the "people's house," dodged the question. So Bush's Department of Labor just up and issued hundreds of pages of new rules on who gets overtime pay.

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Remember years past, each and every time there was a spike in the price of a barrel of crude oil, maybe a spike of .50-$1. Literally the next day prices at the pump would jump a few cents. I can remember local papers complaining that it should take weeks for those barrel prices to effect consumers. Oil companies are far too powerful to feel any pressure from the NYT or the Washington Post, so they always got away with it. This time is different, something has changed dramatically. Something so obvious that we all missed it.

The above links are all to the e-book versions of these chapbooks.
For paperback versions and to view a listing of all my books as they are released click
HERE: Dan Stafford's Poetic Universe

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*NOTE* Before moving the Zephyr to this domain on blogspot, the original blog hosted at Whizzyrds.com/Windblog.html had over 88,000 visits, and was receiving about 25-100 visits per day since May, 2003.
I am moving the old site meter to this space, and it will continue to report hits on the OLD blog site:

I believe I had around 200,000 total hits or so on this blog before Sitemeter went defunct.

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Standard GL Zephyr Interview Questions

Work in the Environmental industry, especially in the Great Lakes region? Have your say-so on the state of the industry and present your own views on the GL Zephyr!
Interview Questions

About Me

Happily married with two grown children out on their own, I've had extensive life experience in many areas. I consider myself a Progressive, and I strive to make the world a better place for those around me and those who'll follow after us. I am an Air Force Veteran, and I have been a Telecommunications Technician since 1993, with a Vocational Diploma in Aircraft Electronics. My interests are Environmentalism, Science, Social Justice, Poetry and Music, Reading, Karate, and learning Spanish. I'm originally from Southern Wisconsin, and have lived in the Chicago Metro area (Naperville, Plainfield, & Oak Brook) since late 1997. Moved to Temecula, CA January of 2015.

Why I Publish This Blog:

"One thing that many people do not realize is that states like Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan are sitting on a gold mine of wind energy potential. Or, more properly, next to the mine. The Great Lakes are probably the area in the USA with the third largest inland wind energy potential. Think of just the nickname for Chicago. "The Windy City". Milwaukee is even windier, I can tell you. Why? Because they sit on the edge of a great flat area where there is both a land-water temperaturedifferential, and a large flat expanse of water that is comparably shallow.Oilrigs certainly operate in deeper waters. And you won't have to construct transmission lines all the way from the plains of Montana to put it to use.

The Great Lakes area has an opportunity to get the jump on wind energy's future, if that fact isrecognized and exploited. Wind energy means jobs for construction and maintenance workers, thousandsof them. Wind energy means leasing rights and extra money for family farmers struggling to make it onagriculture alone. In most cases farmers can grow crops right up to the base of a windmill. The landfootprint has a small impact on total farm acreage. Wind energy also means freedom from fluctuatingfuel prices. Wind is free. The cost of a barrel of polluting oil can be raised or lowered drasticallybased on fears or political whims. The potential gains are enormous. We've all seen the flow of goodmanufacturing jobs out of the area. Well, they can't tell the wind to blow in another country so it'smore "convenient" or cheaper to produce. The wind is perfectly happy to whip up opportunities for usright around here. Most of all, because we here in the Great Lakes region have the potential to havea huge positive impact on U.S. energy industry emissions' contribution to global warming."

Followers

Side Bar Links

Dan Stafford - PublisherClick on this pic to e-mail Dan.WE WELCOME ENERGY STORY SUBMISSIONS!
Please note the E-mail link by the title of the webpage. Comments, stories, and article submissions are welcome.
Any accepted submission entitles the submitter to a link on the Journal page included at the bottom of their submitted entry when published to the journal.
The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal makes no claim as to the accuracy of submitted material. The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal neither endorses nor opposes opinions expressed in submitted material. Submitter must provide
name, city, and state or country. The Great Lakes Zephyr - Wind Energy & Hydrogen Journal imples no promise to publish all submissions. Adult content will definitely NOT be published.
Submitted material will be screened and appropriate entries published at the owner's discretion.

Safe, healthy, good for the economy, good for the environment, good for farmers, good for you, and just downright good produce:

I strongly encourage those seriously interested in learning about the technology, players, politics, and issues of Wind Energy to spend time browsing the
American Wind Energy Association website. They are the premier industry trade organization and have extensive resources available.
(www.awea.org)